JOURNEY OF HOPE WITH RODNEY MATHERS (mathersrodney@yahoo.com)

Journey of Hope With Rodney Mathers (227)

Hello !
Welcome to the podcast. My guest this week is Frank Dimaio. Frank's latest book, A Promise Made, a Promise Kept, caught my attention. The book is a study on how to deal with grief. What does grief have to do with serving time in prison? Short answer - a lot!
There are an incredible amount of "professionals" in the state prison systems. Now, it is not the majority or even close to it, but there are a surprising number of people with white collar backgrounds. Men and women that hold degrees and had a career in their chosen field of study are often overlooked in my view. Still, what does learning about grief have to do with this?
Men and women who have come from white collar backgrounds and have spent substantial periods of time in prison no longer have the life they had prior to prison. These men and women are released into a world where those previous lives no longer exist. 
My guest this week lost his wife to breast cancer and has dealt with the grief that stems from such a tragedy. We spoke about grief and how things learned from his experience may help us deal with grieving our former lives and help us to move forward.

Journey Of Hope With Rodney Mathers (226)

 
 
Hello!
.John Mandala did twenty years flat. Once out, he wrote a couple of books. One of these books in particular, After Prison A Way To Succeed, caught my eye. While looking to explore the book,  I also learned quiet a bit about John. The book addresses ways to approach various things we need for the best chance at a successful life after incarceration. In addition, John fills us in on his experiences. Join us for our discussion!
Just a little side note - I've been doing this podcast since May of 2010. Twelve years.
If God is for you, who can be against you?

Journey of Hope With Rodney Mathers (225)

Hi there!
I think reintegration is is two things. First of all, it is overcoming adversity. Secondly, it is having reasonable expectations. Both of things are big time difficult! Whenever I find someone that has achieved these two things, I want to pick their brain for ideas.  
This episode takes a look at such a person. Steve Borys is such a person and I speak with him about his book and his successful life.
If God is for us, who can be against us?
 

Journey of Hope With Rodney Mathers (224)

Greetings!
Quick extra episode - 
More and more, I'm finding it more satisfying and informative to share the tidbits I've learned about the reintegration of offenders. In addition, although I receive many requests to be interviewed on the podcast, I'm not finding the guests that are beneficial to our quest. I have several topics I'd like to throw out there for contemplation anyway so the timing  is actually good!
On this episode, I suggest the idea of "Restorative Justice". This, in my view, is the way some convictions could be handled so that the victim, offender, and society at large can move forward in a safe and productive way. 
Join me as I talk about what Restorative Justice is and how it works.
If God is for you, who can be against you?
 

Journey of Hope With Rodney Mathers (223)

Hi there!
I hope everyone is well! 
It has always disappointed me to see people get out of prison and go right back to their old, destructive behaviors. Frankly, I think for some of us it's really easy to fall back into that trap . I haven't personally had to deal with that however and I think, for me,  it comes from prison and parole being a punitive experience - for me.  I don't want to go back!
Last week, there was an incident in Houston that was a reminder to me of how easy it can be to allow yourself to create a detrimental thought life. We should never forget that behaviors begin with thoughts. Those thoughts can start so very easily!! 
This guy, Travis Scott, the rapper who put the fatal Astroworld music festival together is the topic of my discussion on this episode of the podcast. I basically posit that we, as people who have lost years of life and suffer the enduring consequences of being a convicted felon, should be careful about what we allow to enter our thought life. I further believe that rebellion and violence laden song lyrics, running as the backing track to our daily lives is very dangerous. Why would we allow a thug like Travis Scott any where near our lives in any capacity?
Remember, if God is for you, who can be against you?
 

Journey of Hope With Rodney Mathers (222)

Welcome!
My guest this week has dealt with and is dealing with a level of adversity that should give us all cause to reflect on what we are doing to deal with the adversity associated with reintegration. Terry Tucker has cancer and has been fighting it for over 9 years. His attitude and determination inspire me and when we started the interview I wanted to find out how he achieved his positiveness. Terry explains his methodology as we chat on this episode. As always, I am sure there is something in his story that you can use in your struggle. 
You can check out more about Terry Tucker here: motivationalcheck.com 
If God is for you, who can be against you? 
 

Journey of Hope With Rodney Mathers (221)

Hello and welcome!
My guest this time is Pete Cossaboon. Pete did a little bit of federal time and because of his conviction had to reinvent himself.  He's done a a fantastic job of turning his adversity into a successful and satisfying way of life. Pete is a life coach and has several on-line courses which look great and I recommend you take a look at what he has to offer. However, our paths cross with Pete at the point where he turned his situation around. Join me as I talk with Pete about what it took to do that.  I think you'll find there are helpful ideas in his story.
If God is for you, who can be against you.

Journey of Hope With Rodney Mathers (220)

Hello Everyone!
I seldom have repeat guests on the podcast. I've always figured that once someone shares their ideas with us it's time to move on and see what else we can learn. Despite the fact that this podcast is tiny I have never had a problem getting guests. In fact, I turn down many more than I consider and eventually book.
My guest this week, Bracha Goetz is an exception to the rule. A Harvard grad, Bracha can go deep on fighting addictions. Addictions are one of the leading causes of recidivism and if you're struggling, Bracha just may have some ideas that can ease your struggle.
If God is for you, who can be against you?